What Is a Personal Injury in the State of Pennsylvania?
Accidents happen every day, in every setting you could imagine, and sometimes they result in significant injuries that can quickly transform a victim’s life. When another party’s negligence is the cause of your debilitating pain, medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma, you have the legal right to hold them accountable. Filing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania with the help of a seasoned attorney can help you pursue compensation for these and other losses.
Personal Injury Law Explained
Under Pennsylvania tort law, a personal injury occurs when someone suffers harm due to another party’s behavior. In many cases, injury results from a wrongdoer’s negligence. For example, the at-fault party may have acted unreasonably. Conversely, they may have failed to take reasonable action to prevent harm from occurring. In other cases, the injury occurs due to the wrongdoer’s deliberate action.
Whether the at-fault party’s behavior was negligent or intentional, a court can hold them liable for an injury victim’s economic and non-economic losses relating to the injury. While many personal injury claims are settled out of court via negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company, others must be resolved by trial before a judge and jury. Either way, working with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can optimize the plaintiff’s chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury law encompasses many case types. Some of the most common include:
- Traffic Accidents – Motor vehicle crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists are a leading cause of personal injury claims. These accidents often result from negligent driving behaviors such as exceeding the speed limit, driving while distracted, or driving under the influence.
- Premises Liability – Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so, and someone suffers injuries as a result, the property owner may be held liable. Common examples include slip and fall accidents, swimming pool accidents, and accidents caused by inadequate security.
- Product Liability – Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a responsibility to ensure their products’ safety. When a defective or dangerous product harms someone, the victim can file a claim against the responsible party.
- Dog Bites – In Pennsylvania, dog owners are strictly liable for bodily harm caused by their pets in most cases. This means the injured individual does not need to prove that the owner behaved negligently to receive compensation for their injuries.
Compensation Available in Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claims
Successful personal injury plaintiffs in Pennsylvania may be eligible to receive compensation for losses, including:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of future medical care
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The specific types and amount of compensation available will depend on the circumstances of each case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recognize your rights and options for seeking the maximum compensation possible.
Contact Stine & Associates, P.C., Today
The experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at Stine & Associates, P.C., understand how devastating the aftermath of a personal injury can feel. Our compassionate team of legal professionals has the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Westmoreland County.